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WSG Westminster Group Plc

2.50
-0.05 (-1.96%)
Last Updated: 12:07:26
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Westminster Group Plc LSE:WSG London Ordinary Share GB00B1XLC220 ORD 0.1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -0.05 -1.96% 2.50 2.40 2.60 2.55 2.45 2.55 2,598,596 12:07:26
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Security Systems Service 9.53M 121k 0.0004 62.50 8.26M

Westminster Group PLC Half-year Report (4762B)

21/09/2018 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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RNS Number : 4762B

Westminster Group PLC

21 September 2018

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014

Westminster Group Plc

('Westminster', the 'Group' or the 'Company')

Interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2018

Westminster Group Plc (AIM: WSG), a leading supplier of managed services and technology based security solutions, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018.

Operational Highlights:

-- Major long-term contract signed in May 2018 relating to one of 60 airports in Iran. Significant progress has been made in overcoming challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Agreement and the Board is committed to the exchange of letters and commencement of the project as soon as possible.

-- $4.5m Middle Eastern advanced vehicle screening solutions contract awarded to the Technology Division in March 2018 which is currently underway and expected to be largely, if not wholly, completed by year end.

-- H1 2018 showed a 34% increase in Technology Division sales enquiries received at 1,008 (H1 2017: 753) resulting from refocussed sales activity.

-- H1 2018 sales order intake increased by 389% to GBP3.9m (H1 2017: GBP0.8m) including new contract awards for equipment, training and services to a number of airports around the world.

   --     We still expect to be EBITDA positive for the full year. 

-- West Africa airport operations performing broadly in line with expectations. The extended elections in Sierra Leone impacted airport passenger numbers in H1 2018, but a strong start to the year and recovery from June have largely balanced this. With new carriers such as Turkish Airlines commencing operations in 2018 we expect full year passenger numbers to be ahead of 2017.

   --     New Managing Director appointed for Technology Division in February 2018. 

-- Further PLC board changes in accordance with our ongoing strategic review. Sir Tony Baldry moved from Non-Executive to Executive Chairman in January. Patsy Baker appointed as a Non-Executive Director from 1 June 2018. Martin Boden will be leaving the Company as Chief Financial Officer on 31 October 2018 to pursue new opportunities. Mark Hughes BSc MBA FCA has been appointed to replace Martin and he joins the Company as Chief Financial Officer on 1 November 2018.

Financial Highlights:

-- Group revenues of GBP2.6m (H1 2017: GBP2.9m). These revenues exclude GBP0.7m (H1 2017 GBP0.1m) of unrecognised revenue from the Middle Eastern screening and other projects held in Work in Progress (WIP) that will be largely recognised along with the full ME screening project value in H2 2018.

-- Change in accounting classification on Gross Margin to classify direct project costs within Cost of Sales. Gross Margin unchanged at 36% (H1 2017: 36%).

   --     Reduction of adjusted EBITDA loss to GBP0.4m (H1 2017: loss GBP0.6m). 

-- Reduction in reported loss before tax to GBP1.2m including GBP0.3m relating to a non-cash financing charge associated with the CLN extension (H1 2017: loss of GBP1.4m).

   --     Loss per share reduced to 1.0p (H1 2017: 1.4p). 

-- GBP0.8m new equity before expenses raised in January 2018 and a further GBP0.7m raised since June 2018, including $250k (GBP191k) from convertible redeemable unsecured loan notes carrying a 5% coupon from a strategic investor.

-- Convertible loan notes extended in May 2018 to 30 June 2019 at a coupon of 12%; the Company has an option to extend to 31 December 2019 at a coupon of 15%.

-- Cash balance of GBP0.3m at 30 June 2018 and GBP0.8m at 14 September 2018 (30 June 2017: GBP0.8m).

Commenting on the results and current trading, Peter Fowler, Chief Executive of Westminster Group, said:

"Both our Managed Services and Technology businesses have performed in line with expectations and our financial results for the period show an improved performance compared to the first half of 2017. This, together with around GBP0.7m of unrecognised revenue already in WIP and the balance of the $4.5m Middle Eastern vehicle screening contract, which we expect to deliver in H2 2018 of this year, producing a strong year on year revenue growth, keeps us on track to deliver an EBITDA positive result for the full year to 31 December 2018.

"The first six months of the financial year have been defined by our intense focus, efforts and achievements in developing our Managed Services business, which has the potential to deliver transformational growth. Not least in this respect was the signing of the large scale, long term contract for one of 60 airports in Iran and I am pleased to report that we continue to work with our Iranian customer and the EU Authorities in order to address the challenges created by the US unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA and with a view to commencing the project at the earliest opportunity once the remaining issues have been resolved.

"Our West Africa airport operations performed broadly in line with expectations. The extended elections in Sierra Leone impacted airport passenger numbers for a few months in H1 2018 however a strong start to the year and recovery in latter months have largely balanced this. With new carriers such as Turkish Airlines commencing operations we expect full year passenger numbers to be ahead of 2017.

"Our Managed Services business has a growing portfolio of opportunities it is pursuing and has in the period secured a number of new contract awards for equipment, training and services to a number of airports around the world. We continue to work towards signing at least one further long term Managed Services contract this year although, as always, there is never certainty as to timing or outcome in these matters.

"Our Technology Division continues to win business from countries across the world and is developing a number of large scale opportunities in addition to the $4.5m Middle East contract secured earlier this year.

"We have identified complementary new potential business opportunities that will assist our growth into new markets which are being actively pursued.

"We expect to secure funding in Q4 2018 for our Iranian contract and to support the further growth of the business, for which planning is already in place.

"We have a strong board with diverse skills and expertise. Sir Tony Baldry moved from Non-Executive to Executive Chairman in January. In June I was delighted to welcome Patsy Baker to the Board, Patsy has enormous experience of companies growing their global business and brings considerable public relations experience to the Board. Martin Boden will be leaving the Company as Chief Financial Officer on 31 October 2018 to pursue new opportunities. Mark Hughes BSc MBA FCA has been appointed to replace Martin and he joins the Company as CFO on 1 November 2018. Mark's wide-ranging international experience, particularly in emerging markets together with his considerable experience in capital markets and in M&A work as CFO of listed (main market and AIM) venture capital, private and private equity owned companies, will be a great asset in assisting the Company achieve its growth potential. I would like to express my thanks to Martin Boden for his support during his time with the business and we wish him well for the future."

For further information please contact:

 
Westminster Group Plc                      Media enquiries via Walbrook 
                                            PR 
Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry - Chairman 
Peter Fowler - Chief Executive Officer 
Martin Boden - Chief Financial Officer 
 
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (NOMAD 
 & Broker) 
Stuart Gledhill                            020 3470 0470 
Lindsay Mair 
Caroline Rowe 
 
Walbrook (Investor Relations) 
Tom Cooper                                 020 7933 8780 
Paul Vann                                  0797 122 1972 
                                           tom.cooper@walbrookpr.com 
 

Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a specialist security and services group operating worldwide via an extensive international network of agents and offices in over 50 countries.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, encompassing a wide range of surveillance, detection, tracking and interception technologies and the provision of long-term managed services contracts such as the management and running of complete security services and solutions in airports, ports and other such facilities together with the provision of manpower, consultancy and training services. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and blue chip commercial organisations.

Chief Executive Officer's Review

Overview

Both our Managed Services and Technology businesses have performed in line with expectations and our financial results for the period show an improved performance compared to the first half of 2017. This, together with around GBP0.7m of unrecognised revenue already in WIP and the balance of the $4.5m Middle Eastern vehicle screening contract, which we expect to deliver in H2 2018 of this year producing a strong year on year revenue growth, keeps us on track to deliver an EBITDA positive result for the full year to 31 December 2018.

Managed Services

The first six months of the financial year have been defined by our intense focus, efforts and achievements in developing our Managed Services business, which has the potential to deliver transformational growth. Not least in this respect was the signing in May of the large scale, long term contract for one of 60 airports in Iran.

Following the US unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) we had to put the project temporarily on hold whilst we worked with our Iranian customer and the EU Authorities in order to address a number of challenges created by the US action. Despite the fact that none of the proposed equipment or services related to this project are covered by existing or proposed, new primary or secondary sanctions, the US position has created some uncertainty in the business world. Westminster does not have any significant US business activities and the US is not a target market for us and so the US position is not a threat to our business. Unfortunately, some of the proposed equipment manufactures in the supply chain do have US exposure and so we have had to address this and in some cases source alternative suppliers.

Equally the restrictions on financing and banking being promoted by the US have created challenges and we have had to put various measures in place to deal with these which have included changes to our UK banking arrangements and ensuring we have robust payment and receipt processes in place that do not involve any funds coming from or going to Iran. The project is a Euro denominated contract and there will be no USD transactions.

Insurance is another area that has been affected by the US position however I am pleased to report we are making good progress in this respect.

We have been working closely with our Iranian client on addressing all these issues and are currently preparing an addendum to the contract covering proposed changes in equipment, order of the rollout programme and the financial and payment structures. Both parties remain committed to the project and are eager to exchange board letters to commence the project at the earliest opportunity.

On a wider front our Managed Services business has a growing portfolio of opportunities it is pursuing and has, in the period, secured a number of new contract awards for equipment, training and services to a number of airports around the world and we continue to work towards signing at least one further long term Managed Services contract this year although, as always, there is never certainty as to timing or outcome in these matters. These opportunities represent a major step in the transition of Westminster into a long-term managed services business.

Our West Africa airport operations performed broadly in line with expectations. The extended elections in Sierra Leone impacted airport passenger numbers for a few months in H1 2018 however a strong start to the year and recovery in latter months have largely balanced this. With new carriers such as Turkish Airlines commencing operations we expect full year passenger numbers to be ahead of 2017. The new government of Sierra Leone is also keen on encouraging new airlines and more passenger traffic to the country and we are exploring with them ideas on how this may be achieved.

Whilst airport security remains the key focus of our Managed Services Division, there are also other opportunities such as port security and other infrastructure security solutions that we are pursuing.

Technology Division

The Technology Division continues to secure orders for a wide range of products and services delivered to clients all over the world. We are not a manufacturer and are product agnostic, enabling us to deliver the best solution for any given application.

In February we appointed a new and experienced Managing Director, Stuart Gilbert, to head up the Technology business and we are already seeing the benefit of this appointment with increased sales activity and order intake significantly ahead of the same period last year.

In March the Technology Division secured a $4.5m advanced vehicle screening solutions contract for an important client in the Middle East which is currently underway and expected to be largely, if not wholly, completed by year end.

The expertise of the Technology Division underpins the proposals from our Managed Services Division where we can offer best in class equipment and solutions for our potential customers in emerging markets.

Ferry Operation

Having exited the ferry operations at the end of September 2017, we continue to operate and manage the ferry terminals in accordance with our 21-year agreement although revenues currently are not material. We still have the Sierra Queen and are seeking to sell her at the earliest opportunity. The book value was written down to nil at 31 December 2017.

Strategic Review & Board Changes

In our Annual Report issued in June we provided an update on our ongoing strategic review to ensure we are well positioned to maximise opportunities going forward and successfully take the business to a new level. As part of this review we have identified complimentary new potential business opportunities that will assist our growth into new markets which are being actively pursued.

As part of the review process we have made a number of changes and new appointments to our senior management and the Board. Sir Tony Baldry moved from Non-Executive to Executive Chairman in January. In June I was delighted to welcome Patsy Baker to the Board, Patsy has enormous experience of companies growing their global business and brings considerable public relations experience to the Board. Martin Boden will be leaving the Company as Chief Financial Officer on 31 October 2018 to pursue new opportunities. Mark Hughes BSc MBA FCA has been appointed to replace Martin and he joins the Company as CFO on 1 November 2018. Mark's wide-ranging international experience, particularly in emerging markets together with his considerable experience in capital markets and in M&A work as CFO of listed (main market and AIM) venture capital, private and private equity owned companies, will be a great asset in assisting the Company achieve its growth potential. I would like to express my thanks to Martin Boden for his support during his time with the business and we wish him well for the future.

Our business is set to benefit from unprecedented growth opportunities and it is essential we have the right strategies, people and processes in place to successfully deliver such growth. Accordingly, the changes we have made to date and intend to make over the coming months will, I believe, serve the Company well and greatly assist our planned growth.

Financial

Revenues for the first half year were in line with the Boards' expectations at GBP2.6m (H1 2017: GBP2.9m). Managed Services revenues were GBP1.7m (H1 2017: GBP1.8m). The Managed Services revenues were impacted by the elections in Sierra Leone earlier this year and, as expected, have picked up again from June onwards. Technology Division revenues, excluding GBP700k of unrecognised revenue held in WIP, were GBP0.9m (H1 2017: GBP1.0m). Around 16% (H1 2017: 10%) of the Technology Division revenues were from maintenance and service as we continue to build the recurring revenue base of the Technology Division. Technology Division revenues are lumpy and will be strongly ahead of last year in H2 2018 following delivery of the $4.5m Middle Eastern vehicle screening contract.

We have changed our accounting classification on gross margin in 2018 to classify direct project costs within cost of sales. This change in classification reduces gross margin but has no impact on operating loss or EBITDA. The Group generated a gross profit of GBP0.9m (H1 2017: GBP1.0m) which equates to a gross margin of 36% (H1 2017: 36% restated on a like for like basis).

Administrative expenses reduced by 26% to GBP1.6m (H1 2017: GBP2.2m). Exceptional items amounted to GBP0.2m (H1 2017: GBP0.3m). In both H1 2018 and H1 2017 the exceptional items primarily related to the pre-contract costs of the new Iranian contract.

The loss from operations of GBP0.7m was GBP0.5m lower than the loss of GBP1.2m in H1 2017 and the EBITDA loss of GBP0.4m compares to an EBITDA loss of GBP0.6m in H1 2017.

Our underlying cash interest cost was GBP0.2m (H1 2017: GBP0.1m) reflecting primarily the interest on the convertible loan notes. A further GBP0.3m (H1 2017: GBP0.1m) of non-cash financing charges arose from the amortisation and extension of the convertible loan notes. In total, the financing costs amounted to GBP0.5m (H1 2017: GBP0.2m).

Earnings per share were a loss of 1.0 pence (H1 2017: loss of 1.4 pence). Although the number of shares in issue increased, the loss after tax decreased resulting in the reduced loss per share over H1 2017.

Statement of Financial Position and Cash Flow

The Group ended the period with a GBP0.3m cash balance, and at 14 September 2018 the cash balance was GBP0.8m. The net cash used in operating activities was GBP0.7m (H1 2017: GBP0.7m). No cash was used in investing activities (H1 2017: GBP0.1m) and GBP0.75m of cash was generated from financing activities being the GBP0.8m of new equity raised in January 2018 before expenses (H1 2017: GBP1.7m equity).

At the end of the period, the Group had a convertible loan note outstanding with a principal of GBP2.2m (H1 2017: GBP2.2m). The coupon is 12% payable quarterly in arrears, it has a conversion price of 25 pence and is repayable in June 2019. The Company has an option to extend repayment to 31 December 2019 with an increased coupon of 15% from July to December 2019.

We raised GBP0.8m of new equity in January and a further GBP0.7m raised since June 2018 including $250k from convertible redeemable unsecured loan notes carrying a 5% coupon from a strategic investor. These funds provide financing for the pre-contract costs of the Iranian project and for the other contracts we are working on. Plans are in place to raise further funds to support the Iranian contract and the other expected new Managed Services airport contract and we expect to complete this exercise in Q4.

Outlook

Our vision is to build a global business with strong brand recognition delivering niche security solutions and long-term managed services to high growth and emerging markets around the world.

Whilst operating in emerging markets does carry a higher risk of delays and disruption, is time consuming and involves a degree of frustration and bureaucracy, with perseverance and diligence the potential rewards are substantial.

The signing of the large scale long term Iranian airport contract and the $4.5m Middle Eastern vehicle screening contract together with numerous smaller contracts around the world so far this year demonstrate the Company's market reach and ability to pursue and close complex project opportunities. Over the next few months and years we have an opportunity to achieve unprecedented growth from the prospects we are pursuing around the world, and I believe we are closer now than we have ever been in delivering on our vision. The Board and I remain committed to delivering on this potential and we thank our shareholders and other stakeholders for their continued support.

Peter Fowler

Chief Executive Officer

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                           Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2017   Six months ended 30 June 2017 (restated)   Six months ended 30 June 2017 (restated)                      Year ended                      Year ended                      Year ended 
                    Note                                                                                                                      (restated)                                                                                           31 December 2017 (restated)     31 December 2017 (restated)     31 December 2017 (restated) 
                                   Continuing Operations         Discontinued Operations                           Total           Continuing Operations                    Discontinued Operations                                      Total           Continuing Operations         Discontinued Operations                           Total 
                                                 GBP'000                         GBP'000                         GBP'000                         GBP'000                                    GBP'000                                    GBP'000                         GBP'000                         GBP'000                         GBP'000 
 
 Revenue               7                           2,586                               -                           2,586                           2,868                                         51                                      2,919                           5,330                              66                           5,396 
 Cost of sales         3                         (1,664)                               -                         (1,664)                         (1,733)                                      (137)                                    (1,870)                         (3,358)                           (191)                         (3,549) 
 
 Gross profit          3                             922                               -                             922                           1,135                                       (86)                                      1,049                           1,972                           (125)                           1,847 
 Administrative 
  expenses                                       (1,622)                            (14)                         (1,636)                         (1,759)                                      (443)                                    (2,202)                         (3,790)                         (3,544)                         (7,334) 
 
 Operating loss        7                           (700)                            (14)                           (714)                           (624)                                      (529)                                    (1,153)                         (1,818)                         (3,669)                         (5,487) 
 
 Analysis of 
 operating loss 
 Add back 
  depreciation 
  and 
  amortisation                                        77                               -                              77                             105                                        102                                        207                             170                             144                             314 
 Add back share 
  option expenses                                      -                               -                               -                               -                                          -                                          -                              63                               -                              63 
 Add back 
  impairment 
  charges                                              -                               -                               -                               -                                          -                                          -                             397                           2,491                           2,888 
 Add back 
  exceptional 
  items                9                             215                              14                             229                             305                                          -                                        305                             653                             335                             988 
 
 EBITDA loss from 
  underlying 
  operations                                       (408)                               -                           (408)                           (214)                                      (427)                                      (641)                           (535)                           (699)                         (1,234) 
-----------------  -----  ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------  -----------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
 
 Finance Costs        10                           (484)                               -                           (484)                           (230)                                          -                                      (230)                           (630)                               -                           (630) 
 
 Loss before 
  taxation                                       (1,184)                            (14)                         (1,198)                           (854)                                      (529)                                    (1,383)                         (2,448)                         (3,669)                         (6,117) 
 Taxation                                            (5)                               -                             (5)                               -                                          -                                          -                               -                               -                               - 
 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                                         (1,189)                            (14)                         (1,203)                           (854)                                      (529)                                    (1,383)                         (2,448)                         (3,669)                         (6,117) 
 
 Loss and total 
 comprehensive 
 loss 
 attributable to: 
 Owners of the 
  parent                                         (1,192)                            (14)                         (1,206)                           (854)                                      (529)                                    (1,383)                         (2,248)                         (3,669)                         (5,917) 
 Non-controlling 
  interest                                             3                               -                               3                               -                                          -                                          -                           (200)                               -                           (200) 
 
 Loss and total 
  comprehensive 
  loss                                           (1,189)                            (14)                         (1,203)                           (854)                                      (529)                                    (1,383)                         (2,448)                         (3,669)                         (6,117) 
 
 Loss per share 
  (pence)              8                          (0.96)                          (0.01)                          (0.97)                          (0.85)                                     (0.52)                                     (1.37)                          (2.24)                          (3.36)                          (5.60) 
 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (unaudited)

As at 30 June 2018

 
                                                      As at 30 June 2018   As at 30 June 2017   As at 31 December 2017 
                                               Note              GBP'000              GBP'000                  GBP'000 
 
 Goodwill                                                              -                  397                        - 
 Other intangible assets                                             112                  173                      129 
 Property, plant and equipment                                     1,916                4,488                    1,952 
 
 Total Non-Current Assets                                          2,028                5,058                    2,081 
 
 Inventories                                                          42                   48                       39 
 Trade and other receivables                                       1,256                  786                      693 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                           318                  759                      392 
 
 Total Current Assets                                              1,616                1,593                    1,124 
 
 Total Assets                                                      3,644                6,651                    3,205 
 
 Called up share capital                         12               12,503               11,324                   12,074 
 Share premium account                                             9,597                9,136                    9,226 
 Merger relief reserve                                               299                  299                      299 
 Share based payment reserve                                         598                  594                      621 
 Equity Reserve on Convertible Loan Note                             506                  186                      186 
 Revaluation reserve                                                 134                  134                      134 
 Retained earnings                                              (24,033)             (18,155)                 (22,853) 
 
 (Deficit)/Equity attributable to 
 Owners of the parent                                              (199)                3,518                    (113) 
 Non-controlling interest                                          (197)                    -                    (200) 
 
 Total Shareholders' (Deficit)/Equity                              (396)                3,518                    (313) 
 
 Non-current borrowings                          14                2,200                    -                    2,184 
 
 Total Non-Current Liabilities                                     2,200                    -                    2,184 
 
 Current borrowings                              14                    -                2,073                        - 
 Trade and other payables                                          1,049                1,055                    1,096 
 Deferred income                                                     639                    5                        - 
 
 Total Current Liabilities                                         1,688                3,133                    1,096 
 
 Liabilities of disposal group classified as 
  held for sale                                                      152                    -                      238 
 
 Total Liabilities                                                 4,040                3,133                    3,518 
 
 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                        3,644                6,651                    3,205 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                  Called                         Share 
                      up     Share    Merger     based    Equity                                                       Total 
                   share   premium    relief   payment   reserve   Revaluation   Retained   Non-controlling   share-holders' 
                 capital   account   reserve   reserve    on CLN       reserve   earnings          interest           equity 
                 GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000   GBP'000       GBP'000    GBP'000           GBP'000          GBP'000 
 
 As at 1(st) 
  January 2018    12,074     9,226       299       621       186           134   (22,653)             (200)            (313) 
 
 Issue of new 
  shares             341       409         -         -         -             -          -                 -              750 
 Costs of new 
  share issues         -      (38)         -         -         -             -          -                 -             (38) 
 CLN extension         -         -         -         -       320             -          -                 -              320 
 Warrants 
  exercised           88         -         -      (23)         -             -         23                 -               88 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners        429       371         -      (23)       320             -         23                 -            1,120 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 Loss for the 
  period               -         -         -         -         -             -    (1,206)                 3          (1,203) 
 
 As at 30(th) 
  June 2018       12,503     9,597       299       598       506           134   (23,836)             (197)            (396) 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 As at 1(st) 
  January 2017     8,711     9,169       299       569       186           134   (16,772)                 -            2,296 
 
 Issue of new 
  shares           1,542        84         -         -         -             -          -                 -            1,626 
 Costs of new 
  share issues         -     (117)         -         -         -             -          -                 -            (117) 
 Warrants 
  exercised            4         -         -         -         -             -          -                 -                4 
 CLN 
  conversion       1,067         -         -         -         -             -          -                 -            1,067 
 Warrants 
  issued in 
  the period           -         -         -        25         -             -          -                 -               25 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners      2,613      (33)         -        25         -             -          -                 -            2,605 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 Loss for the 
  period               -         -         -         -         -             -    (1,383)                 -          (1,383) 
 
 As at 30(th) 
  June 2017       11,324     9,136       299       594       186           134   (18,155)                 -            3,518 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 As at 1(st) 
  January 2017     8,711     9,169       299       569       186           134   (16,772)                 -            2,296 
 
 Issue of new 
  shares           2,291         -         -         -         -             -          -                 -            2,291 
 Cost of share 
  issues               -      (76)         -         -         -             -          -                 -             (76) 
 Share options 
  lapsed               -         -         -      (34)         -             -         34                 -                - 
 Exercise of 
  share 
  options              5         -         -       (2)         -             -          2                 -                5 
 CLN 
  conversion       1,067       133         -         -         -             -          -                 -            1,200 
 Share based 
  payment 
  charge               -         -         -        88         -             -          -                 -               88 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners      3,363        57         -        52         -             -         36                 -            3,508 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 
 Loss for the 
  year                 -         -         -         -         -             -    (5,917)             (200)          (6,117) 
 
 As at 31(st) 
  December 
  2017            12,074     9,226       299       621       186           134   (22,653)             (200)            (313) 
--------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  ------------  ---------  ----------------  --------------- 
 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)

for the six months ended 30 June 2018

 
                       Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended          Year ended          Year ended          Year ended 
                           30 June 2018       30 June 2018       30 June 2018       30 June 2017       30 June 2017       30 June 2017    31 December 2017    31 December 2017    31 December 2017 
                             Continuing       Discontinued              Total         Continuing       Discontinued              Total          Continuing        Discontinued               Total 
                             Operations         Operations                            Operations         Operations                             Operations          Operations 
                Note            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000 
 
 Loss after 
  taxation                      (1,189)               (14)            (1,203)              (854)              (529)            (1,383)             (2,448)             (3,669)             (6,117) 
 Non-cash 
  adjustments     11                562                  -                562                335                102                437               1,294               2,635               3,929 
 Net changes 
  in working 
  capital         11                 26               (85)               (59)                307               (16)                291                 435                 206                 641 
 
 Cash outflow 
  from 
  operating 
  activities                      (601)               (99)              (700)              (212)              (443)              (655)               (719)               (828)             (1,547) 
 
 Investing 
 activities 
 Purchase of 
  property, 
  plant and 
  equipment                        (26)                  -               (26)               (43)                (4)               (47)                (69)                 (4)                (73) 
 Purchase of 
  intangible 
  assets                              -                  -                  -               (54)                  -               (54)                (56)                   -                (56) 
 Proceeds 
  from the 
  sale of 
  fixed 
  assets                              -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                   1                   -                   1 
 
 Cash outflow 
  from 
  investing 
  activities                       (26)                  -               (26)               (97)                (4)              (101)               (124)                 (4)               (128) 
 
 Financing 
 activities 
 Gross 
  proceeds 
  from the 
  issue of 
  ordinary 
  shares                            838                  -                838              1,626                  -              1,626               2,376                   -               2,376 
 Costs of 
  share 
  issues in 
  the period                       (38)                  -               (38)              (117)                  -              (117)               (160)                   -               (160) 
 Borrowing 
  repayments                          -                  -                  -               (34)                  -               (34)                (36)                   -                (36) 
 Interest 
  paid                            (148)                  -              (148)              (112)                  -              (112)               (265)                   -               (265) 
 
 Cash inflow 
  from 
  financing 
  activities                        652                  -                652              1,363                  -              1,363               1,915                   -               1,915 
 
 Change in 
  cash and 
  cash 
  equivalents 
  in the 
  period                             25               (99)               (74)              1,054              (447)                607               1,072               (832)                 240 
 
 Cash and 
  cash 
  equivalents 
  at the 
  beginning 
  of the 
  period                                                                  392                                                      152                                                         152 
 Cash and 
  cash 
  equivalents 
  at the end 
  of the 
  period                                                                  318                                                      759                                                         392 
 

Notes to the financial statements

for the six months ended 30 June 2018

   1.      General information and nature of operations 

Westminster Group Plc (the "Company") was incorporated on 7 April 2000 and is domiciled and incorporated in the United Kingdom and quoted on AIM. The Group's financial statements for the six month period ended 30 June 2018 consolidate the individual financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Group designs, supplies and provides advanced technology security solutions and services to governmental and non-governmental organisations on a global basis.

   2.      Basis of preparation 

These unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements are for the six months ended 30 June 2018. They have been prepared following the recognition and measurement of principles of IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The statements do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2017.

These consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the last annual financial statements, which were for the year ended 31 December 2017, with the exception of the change in accounting policy for Administration Expenses and Cost of Sales as described in note 3 below.

These consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2018 have neither been audited nor reviewed by the Group's auditors. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2017 set out in this interim report does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was unqualified in accordance with Section 495 of the Companies Act 2006.

   3.      Change in accounting classification 

During the period, the directors have reviewed the categorisation of certain contract related costs which have historically been classified within Administration Expenses and concluded that it would be more appropriate for these costs to be classified within Cost of Sales within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The prior periods have been restated within this document for this change in accounting classification. This change in accounting classification only affects Cost of Sales and Administration Expenses and there is no impact on Profit Before Tax or Retained Earnings. The impact on the year to 31 December 2017 and the six months to 30 June 2017 is shown in the table below.

 
                   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended          Year ended          Year ended          Year ended 
                       30 June 2017       30 June 2017       30 June 2017    31 December 2017    31 December 2017    31 December 2017 
                         Continuing       Discontinued                             Continuing        Discontinued 
                         operations         Operations              Total          operations          Operations               Total 
                            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Impact of 
 change in 
 accounting 
 classification 
 Revenue                          -                  -                  -                   -                   -                   - 
 Cost of sales                  653                  9                662               1,343                   9               1,352 
 Gross profit                   653                  9                662               1,343                   9               1,352 
 
 Administration 
  expenses                    (653)                (9)              (662)             (1,343)                 (9)             (1,352) 
 Operating loss                   -                  -                  -                   -                   -                   - 
 
 Profit after                     -                  -                  - 
  tax                                                                                       -                   -                   - 
 
 
   4.      Going concern 

The directors have, at the time of approving this interim report, a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

   5.      Basis of consolidation 

These Group financial statements consolidate those of the Group and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 30 June 2018. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to control the financial and operating policies so as to obtain benefits from their activities. The Group obtains and exercises control through voting rights. Consolidation is conducted by eliminating the investment in the subsidiary together with the parent's share of the net equity of the subsidiary.

   6.      Functional and presentational currency 

The financial information has been presented in pounds sterling, which is the Group's presentational currency. All financial information presented has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

   7.      Segment reporting 

Operating segments

The Board considers the Group on a Business Unit basis. Reports by Business Unit are used by the chief decision-makers in the Group. The Business Units operating during the period are the main operating companies, Westminster Aviation and Westminster International. In 2017 the operating business units also included Sovereign Ferries. This split of business segments is based upon the products and services each offer.

 
 Six months ended 30 June         Managed   Technology      Managed   Group and     Group 
  2018                           Services                  Services     Central     Total 
                                 Aviation                 Sovereign       Costs 
                                                            Ferries 
                                  GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Supply of products and 
  solutions                             -          708            -           -       708 
 Supply and installation 
  contracts                             -           13            -           -        13 
 Maintenance and service                -          136            -           -       136 
 Airport security fees              1,616            -            -           -     1,616 
 Training and consultancy             113            -            -           -       113 
 Segment revenue                    1,729          857            -           -     2,586 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  EBITDA                              610         (47)            -       (971)     (408) 
 Exceptional items                  (215)            -         (14)           -     (229) 
 Depreciation & amortisation         (39)          (6)            -        (32)      (77) 
 Segment Operating result             356         (53)         (14)     (1,003)     (714) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Finance cost                           -            -            -       (484)     (484) 
 Segment profit/(loss) 
  for the period before 
  taxation                            356         (53)         (14)     (1,487)   (1,198) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 
 Six months ended 30 June         Managed   Technology      Managed   Group and     Group 
  2017                           Services                  Services     Central     Total 
                                 Aviation                 Sovereign       Costs 
                                                            Ferries 
                                  GBP'000      GBP'000      GBP'000     GBP'000   GBP'000 
 
 Supply of products and 
  solutions                             -          906            -           -       906 
 Supply and installation 
  contracts                             -           15            -           -        15 
 Maintenance and service                -           99            -           -        99 
 Airport security fees              1,755            -            -           -     1,755 
 Training and consultancy              93            -            -           -        93 
 Ferry ticket sales                     -            -           51           -        51 
 Segment revenue                    1,848        1,020           51           -     2,919 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  EBITDA                              683         (12)        (427)       (885)     (641) 
 Exceptional items                  (255)            -            -        (50)     (305) 
 Depreciation & amortisation         (73)          (8)        (102)        (24)     (207) 
 Segment Operating result             355         (20)        (529)       (959)   (1,153) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 
 Finance cost                           -            -            -       (230)     (230) 
 Segment profit/(loss) 
  for the period before 
  taxation                            355         (20)        (529)     (1,189)   (1,383) 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  -------- 
 

Geographical areas

The Group's international business is conducted on a global scale, with agents present in all major continents. The following table provides an analysis of the Group's sales by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services.

 
                              Six months   Six months 
                                ended 30     ended 30 
                               June 2018    June 2017 
                                 GBP'000      GBP'000 
 
 United Kingdom and Europe           554          489 
 Africa                            1,842        2,033 
 Middle East                           3          129 
 Rest of the World                   187          268 
 
 Total revenue                     2,586        2,919 
 
   8.      Loss per share 

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Only those outstanding options that have an exercise price below the average market share price in the period have been included. For each period, the issue of additional shares on exercise of outstanding share options would decrease the basic loss per share and therefore there is no dilutive effect.

The weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as follows:

 
                                                                                                            Year ended 
                                     Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2017    31 December 2017 
                                                              '000                            '000                '000 
 
 Number of issued ordinary shares 
  at the start of period                                   120,743                          87,107              87,107 
 Effect of shares issued during 
  the period                                                 3,710                          13,822              22,087 
 
 Weighted average basic and 
  diluted number of shares for 
  period                                                   124,453                         100,929             109,194 
 
   9.      Exceptional items 
 
                                                                                                            Year ended 
                                     Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2017    31 December 2017 
                                                           GBP'000                         GBP'000             GBP'000 
 
 Middle East contract pre-contract 
  costs                                                        215                             255                 603 
 Ferry closure costs                                            14                               -                 335 
 Other                                                           -                              50                  50 
 
 Total exceptional items                                       229                             305                 988 
 
   10.    Finance costs 
 
                                                                                                            Year ended 
                                     Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2017    31 December 2017 
                                                           GBP'000                         GBP'000             GBP'000 
 
 Interest payable on bank and 
  other borrowings                                            (36)                             (9)                (44) 
 Cash interest expenses on 
  convertible loan notes                                     (117)                           (106)               (225) 
 
 Underlying finance costs                                    (153)                           (115)               (269) 
 Non-cash amortised finance cost 
  on convertible loan notes                                   (56)                           (115)               (361) 
 Non-cash finance cost upon                                  (275)                               - 
 extension of convertible loan 
 notes                                                                                                               - 
 
 Total finance costs                                         (484)                           (230)               (630) 
 
   11.    Cash flow adjustments and changes in working capital 

The following non-cash items and adjustments for changes in working capital have been made to loss before tax to arrive at operating cash flow:

 
                          Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended          Year ended          Year ended          Year ended 
                              30 June 2018       30 June 2018       30 June 2018       30 June 2017       30 June 2017       30 June 2017    31 December 2017    31 December 2017    31 December 2017 
                                Continuing       Discontinued              Total         Continuing       Discontinued              Total          Continuing        Discontinued               Total 
                                Operations         Operations                            Operations         Operations                             Operations          Operations 
                                   GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000            GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Adjustment for 
 non-cash items 
 Depreciation, 
  amortisation and 
  impairment of 
  non-financial assets                  77                  -                 77                105                102                207                 567               2,635               3,202 
 Finance costs                         484                  -                484                230                  -                230                 630                   -                 630 
 Loss on disposal of 
  non-financial assets                   1                  -                  1                  -                  -                  -                   9                   -                   9 
 Share-based payment 
  expenses                               -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  -                  88                   -                  88 
 
 Total adjustments                     562                  -                562                335                102                437               1,294               2,635               3,929 
 
 Net changes in working 
 capital: 
 Decrease/(increase)in 
  inventories                          (3)                  -                (3)                150                  -                150                 159                   -                 159 
 Decrease/(increase) in 
  trade and other 
  receivables                        (562)                  -              (562)                178               (44)                134                 162                  39                 201 
 Increase/(decrease) in 
  trade and other 
  payables                            (48)               (85)              (133)               (21)                 28                  7                 141                 167                 308 
 Increase in deferred 
  income                               639                  -                639                  -                  -                  -                (27)                   -                (27) 
 
 Total changes in 
  working capital                       26               (85)               (59)                307               (16)                291                 435                 206                 641 
 
   12.    Called up share capital 
 
                                     6 months to 30th 
                                                 June         6 months to 30th     Year to 31st December 
 Ordinary Share Capital                          2018                June 2017                      2017 
-----------------------------  ----------------------  -----------------------  ------------------------ 
                                     Number   GBP'000         Number   GBP'000          Number   GBP'000 
-----------------------------  ------------  --------  -------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
 At the beginning of the 
  period                        120,743,420    12,074     87,107,903     8,711      87,107,903     8,711 
 Arising on conversion 
  of convertible loan notes               -         -     10,669,227     1,067      10,669,227     1,067 
 Shares issued to Beaufort 
  Securities in settlement 
  of their annual fee                     -         -        250,000        25         250,000        25 
 Arising on exercise of 
  Warrants and Share Options        875,000        88         55,000         4          55,000         5 
 Other issues for cash            3,409,091       341     15,161,290     1,517      22,661,290     2,266 
 At the end of the period       125,027,511    12,503    113,243,420    11,324     120,743,420    12,074 
-----------------------------  ------------  --------  -------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
   13.    Share Options and Warrants 

The Company adopted a revised Westminster Group Plc 2017 Share Option Scheme on 31 May 2018 that is in accordance with the EMI Code. The Scheme provides for the granting of both Enterprise Management Incentives and unapproved share options and is open to all full time employees and Directors of the Company.

On 1 June 2018, the Company granted a total of 7,500,000 share options over ordinary shares of 10p each in the Company at a price of 13 pence per Ordinary Share, being the closing middle market price of an Ordinary Share on 31 May 2018.

The Share Options can be exercised at any time from the first anniversary of the date of grant up to the tenth anniversary of that date. Save for a change of control in the Company, the Share Options will only vest if the Company's share price has reached 26 pence per Ordinary Share at any time, being twice the middle market price on the date of grant. No consideration was paid by the option holders in respect of the grant of their awards.

The Share Options were granted to Directors of the Company as follows:

   Peter Fowler (Chief Executive Officer)           1,750,000 
   Martin Boden (Chief Financial Officer)          1,250,000 
   Sir Tony Baldry (Chairman)                             750,000 
   Stuart Fowler (Operations Director)               750,000 

The remaining 3,000,000 options were granted to all UK based employees and to key employees based overseas. Following the grant of the Share Options, there are currently a total of 11,143,000 director and employee share options outstanding, representing 8.6% of the current issued share capital of the Company.

In August 2018, the February 2016 Warrants (589,330 with a three year life and a strike price of 20.15p per Ordinary Share) were sold by Darwin Capital Limited ("Darwin") to a new holder. Darwin sold their remaining warrants (1,100,000 with a three year life and a strike price of 28.0p per Ordinary Share) to the same buyer in April 2018 and Darwin no longer hold any warrants in Westminster Group Plc.

   14.    Borrowings 
 
                                                                                                            Year ended 
                                     Six months ended 30 June 2018   Six months ended 30 June 2017    31 December 2017 
                                                           GBP'000                         GBP'000             GBP'000 
 Current borrowings (due < 1 year) 
 Convertible loan note                                           -                           2,073                   - 
 
 Total current borrowings                                        -                           2,073                   - 
 
 Non-current borrowings (due > 1 
 year) 
 Convertible loan note                                       2,200                               -               2,184 
 
 Total non-current borrowings                                2,200                               -               2,184 
 
 Total borrowings                                            2,200                           2,073               2,184 
 
   15.    Events after the Reporting Period 

On 31 July 2018, the Company raised $250,000 (GBP190,961) by way of an issue of GBP190,961 of convertible redeemable unsecured loan notes ("CULN"). The CULN have a maturity date of 31 July 2021 and an annual coupon of 5%. The CULN may be converted at any time in whole or in multiples of GBP10,000 at a conversion price of 10p per share. The investor who subscribed for the CULN is known to the Company and assists in business development.

On 31 August 2018, the Company raised GBP0.5m (gross) through a placing of 5,000,000 new Ordinary Shares of 10p each at 10 pence per Ordinary Share. The placing was undertaken by SVS Securities Plc. The total number of voting rights in the Company is currently 130,027,511.

   16.    Approval of interim financial statements 

The interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 20 September 2018.

   17.    Copies of interim financial statements 

A copy of these interim financial statements is available on the Company's website, www.wsg-corporate.com and from the Company Secretary at the company's registered office, Westminster House, Blacklocks Hill, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 2BS.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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